Foundation Offers Free Treatment To VVF Patients In Sokoto

A cross section of women suffering from Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) in Sokoto has expressed happiness over free surgery conducted by Fistula Foundation Nigeria (FFN) to fix the problem. The women also urged other fistula patients across the country to come forward and access free services, as the condition can be repaired through surgery.

VVF is an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina that results in continuous and unremitting urinary incontinence.

The entity is one among the most distressing complications of gynecologic and obstetric procedures, where a woman develops a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum after a prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely medical treatment.

However, the condition can be repaired through surgery. The FFN, therefore, with support from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) conducted free surgery in Sokoto between May 23 and May 27, where 28 patients got relief and were currently recuperating at the Maryam Abacha Women and Children’s Hospital, Sokoto.

The surgery was funded by Global Affairs Canada, the department of the Government of Canada that manages the country’s diplomatic and consular relations and humanitarian assistance.

The FFN Director, Mr Musa Isa, told newsmen that the repair surgery was in commemoration of the 2022 International Day to End Fistula, annually marked on May 23 around the globe to raise awareness about VVF, with a view to finding solution to it.

Mrs Angela Azu, the Nurse in charge of the Fisula Ward at the Maryam Abacha Women and Children’s Hospital in Sokoto said that 30 patients were initially scheduled for the free surgery but two were dropped because one voluntarily withdraw, while one was not stable.

Azu said the team of specialised doctors, nurses and other auxiliary health workers conducted the surgeries and patients were all responding to treatment.

The nurse attributed the increase in cases of fistula to poverty and ignorance, as may families especially in rural settlements could not transport pregnant women to hospital in time during childbirth.